Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce

17/06/2021

Explore a new way to relax from stress! Join virtual health activities at the upcoming live-streamed 2 days customer experience program online to ‘Relax, Retreat, Restart’ provided by Jin Wellbeing County and Thonburi Healthcare Group on Friday and Saturday, 25-26 June 2021 at 07:00 to 18:00. This is free of charge!
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The activities in this program include exercise, nutrition advice, workshops to maintain good health and--the highlight that you should not miss--the doctor talk session about Covid-19 Vaccination for the elderly. See more programs in the pictures below!
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Interested in joining? Please reserve your spot here, before it closes on Thursday, 24 June 2021 at 16:00 : https://forms.gle/J8d6vQhimvEkLDAYA
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Hurry up!
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*Some activities in red boxes require equipment. If customers would like the equipment to be sent to their homes (free of charge), they have to pre-register. If not, they can just view the event anyway.
#JinWellbeingCounty
#ThonburiHealthcareGroup
#SweCham
#ThaiSwedishChamberofCommerce #TSCC
#RelaxRetreatRestart
#HealthCare

17/06/2021

Ericsson sees global 5G subscriptions at 580 million

According to Ericsson, global 5G subscriptions will reach 580 million this year.
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Sweden's Ericsson, a telecommunications company, said that the number of 5G subscribers is anticipated to increase from 220 million last year to 580 million by 2021 and more than 3.5 billion by 2026.
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Ericsson advanced 5G data rates offer a faster and broader spectrum. China has the highest proportion of the 5G users throughout last year and this year. North America has the second highest number of 5G users. As a result, the number of subscriptions has increased in line with the expectations.
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North America is estimated to have the highest share of 5G subscriptions of all regions by 2026, at 84 percent.
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Read the full article:
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/0616/1228397-ericsson-on-5g-subscriptions/

Sweden's Ericsson said today that the number of 5G subscriptions were expected to rise to 580 million by the end of 2021 from 220 million last year, and to reach more than 3.5 billion by 2026.

16/06/2021

Bangkok Governor Police General Aswin Kwanmuang has announced to ease Covid-19 control restrictions in specific public spaces in Bangkok. At the same time, many venues will remain closed to contain the spread of COVID-19.
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On 14 June 2021, the relaxation announcement was made. The Bangkok authorities also announced preventative measures for the particular types of activities and venues in Bangkok to reopen and that each place has to implement the regulation strictly.
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Those who do not comply with the rule may be guilty of an offense under Section 52 of the Communicable Disease Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and Section 18 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005) Or shall be liable to imprisonment fine up. It will be effective from 14 to 30 June 2021.
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Read the full article:
https://thailand.prd.go.th/ewt_news.php?nid=11423...

Bangkok Governor Police General Aswin Kwanmuang has issued an announcement to allow certain types of activities and venues in Bangkok to reopen, while many venues will remain closed to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The announcement was made on 14 June 2021, following a meeting of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Communicable Disease Committee. It will be effective from 14 to 30 June 2021.

According to the announcement, the following types of activities and venues may reopen, but with strict preventive measures against the disease set by the Government:

(1) Food shops may serve food and beverages until 21.00 hr and may provide takeaway until 23.00 hr; consumption of liquor and alcoholic beverages in these venues is prohibited; the number of customers is also limited to just 25 percent seating capacity, with screening and physical distancing measures;

(2) Department stores, shopping centers, community malls, and similar places may stay open until 21.00 hr, with a limited number of visitors;

(3) Convenience stores, supermarkets, night markets, and walking streets may open as usual but no later than 23.00 hr; stores or venues that are regularly opened for 24-hour services may reopen at 04.00 hr;

(4) Sports venues or places for open-air exercise may open until 21.00 hr, and competitions may be organized without spectators;

(5) Museums and historical sites with strict social measures;

(6) Tattoo and nail salons;

(7) Beauty clinics;

(8 ) Health and wellness establishments (health spas and health massage); only foot massage is allowed;

(9) Public parks and botanical gardens, with no recreational activities, except for walking and running.

The following venues will remain closed:

(1) Buildings and premises of schools, tutorial schools, and all educational institutions;

(2) Entertainment venues, any establishments providing services similar to entertainment venues, amusement places, pubs, bars, and karaoke outlets;

(3) Massage parlors;

(4) Establishments for bath services and steaming and herbal room services;

(5) Cockfighting rings and cockfighting training rings;

(6) Bullrings, fish fighting rings, and other similar sport arenas;

(7)Theaters;

(8 ) Water parks and amusement parks;

(9) Playgrounds;

(10) Zoos;

(11) Skating or rollerblading rinks or other similar recreation;

(12) Snooker parlors and billiard parlors;

(13) Bowling alleys and game arcades;

(14) Gaming and Internet shops;

(15) Public swimming pools;

(16) Fitness centers;

(17) Exhibition halls, trade exhibition centers, and convention centers;

(18) Learning centers, science centers for education, science parks, science and cultural centers, and galleries;

(19) Public libraries;

(20) Daycare centers (except those in hospitals);

(21) Elderly care centers (except admission for overnight stay);

(22) Boxing stadiums and boxing schools;

(23) Martial arts schools (gyms);

(24) Ballroom dance halls or academies;

(25) Horse racing tracks;

(26) Amulet trading markets and centers;

(27) Weight-control services, cosmetic clinics, and aesthetic clinics;

(28 ) Health and wellness establishments (massage shops for beauty treatment);

(29) All types of race tracks;

(30) Public event grounds;

(31) Meeting and event venues;

(32) Beauty salons; hair cutting and hair dressing are allowed, but customers at hair salons and barber shops must wait outside;

(33) Indoor sports arenas and ponds for water sports or water activities.

Meetings, seminars, parties, camping, film shooting, television programs, religious activities, and gatherings with not more than 20 participants are allowed. If the number of participants is expected to exceed 20 but not be more than 1,000, the organizers must seek permission by submitting a working plan and disease control measures to the district office responsible for the area before the activities are organized.

In cases in which the number of participants will exceed 1,000, the organizers must seek permission by submitting a working plan and disease control measures to the BMA Health Department, except for the activities that are carried out by government agencies or are conducted in the venues designated as quarantine facilities.

Any persons who violate or fail to comply with this announcement may be guilty of an offence under Section 52 of the Communicable Disease Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and shall be liable to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. Moreover, they may be guilty of an offence under Section 18 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005) and shall be liable to imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.

https://thailand.prd.go.th/ewt_news.php?nid=11423&filename=index

16/06/2021

New rules to support Covid health insurance for long-stay expats

New rules to support Covid-health insurance for long stays expats in Thailand.
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On 15 June, the cabinet and the deputy spokeswoman for the government, Traisuree Taisaranakul, approved in principle to support health insurance for long-stay foreigners under the Non-Immigrant “O-A” visa.
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The new regulations provide a lifeline for expats over the age of 70 who are unable to purchase insurance in Thailand and fear having their applications for extensions of stay denied. The new regulation includes,
👉 The first visa application must contain health insurance or government welfare with a minimum of $100,000 or 3 million baht coverage for medical costs and treatment of Covid-19
👉 Expats in Thailand can use health insurance or government welfare from abroad to apply for an extension of stay and relevant government agencies must verify.
👉 Visa applicants must provide additional documents, such as the letter of rejection, along with securities, deposits, and other health insurance totaling at least 3 million baht, if an insurer refuses coverage due to health risks.
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Read the full article:
https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40002065...

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle new rules to support health insurance for long-stay foreigners under the Non-Immigrant “O-A” visa.

16/06/2021

If you are interested in educational and social technology, join the third edition of ‘Joint Chambers Tech & The City x Chiang Mai Connect: Urban-tech entrepreneurs Meet-up & Networking’, supported by NIA and Startup Thailand, powered by CM Town and Chiang Mai Connect by NTCC - Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce

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During this event, you can:
✅ Meet fellow startup founders and entrepreneurs from the Social / Ed-tech ecosystem
✅ Learn how Ed-tech startups can make an impact on Thai education
✅ Hear how social-tech startups from Bangkok are entering the Chiang Mai market
✅ Find out what universities are doing to incubate social entrepreneurs
✅ Stay updated on all the latest happenings in Chiang Mai's growing tech ecosystem
✅ Connect with entrepreneurs and professionals from the tech ecosystem and beyond

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Date: Thursday, 24 June 2021
Time: 17:30 - 21:00 hrs
Location: Alt_ Chiang Mai (co-living space)

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Full details of the event: https://bit.ly/3q159td

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This event is free of charge. Register now at https://app.glueup.com/event/38982/register/

*Only 30 people allowed to physically attend. Zoom link will be sent to online participants prior to the event)

If you are interested in educational and social technology, join the third edition of ‘Joint Chambers Tech & The City x Chiang Mai Connect: Urban-tech entrepreneurs Meet-up & Networking’, supported by NIA and Startup Thailand, powered by CM Town and Chiang Mai Connect by NTCC - Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce

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During this event, you can:
✅ Meet fellow startup founders and entrepreneurs from the Social / Ed-tech ecosystem
✅ Learn how Ed-tech startups can make an impact on Thai education
✅ Hear how social-tech startups from Bangkok are entering the Chiang Mai market
✅ Find out what universities are doing to incubate social entrepreneurs
✅ Stay updated on all the latest happenings in Chiang Mai's growing tech ecosystem
✅ Connect with entrepreneurs and professionals from the tech ecosystem and beyond

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Date: Thursday, 24 June 2021
Time: 17:30 - 21:00 hrs
Location: Alt_ Chiang Mai (co-living space)

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Full details of the event: https://bit.ly/3q159td

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This event is free of charge. Register now at https://app.glueup.com/event/38982/register/

*Only 30 people allowed to physically attend. Zoom link will be sent to online participants prior to the event)

16/06/2021

The €3 billion biochar industry is transforming green energy in Sweden

The €3 billion biochar industry is transforming green energy in Sweden.
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The Swedish capital is lowering its carbon footprint by utilising green waste in powerhouses. People all across the city are collecting garden waste and dead Christmas trees from neighbours and public parks and converting them into 'biochar', an environmentally beneficial type of charcoal.
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When the biochar is buried in the soil, it acts as a carbon sink, storing CO2 for thousands of years and boosts plant growth significantly.
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Stockholm developed a pyrolysis plant that generates about 300 tonnes of biochar each year after winning €1 million in the Bloomberg Mayors' Challenge in 2015. This is comparable to taking 700 vehicles off the city's roads each year. Moreover, the city plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
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Read the full article:
https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/06/14/how-is-the-3-billion-biochar-industry-transforming-green-energy-sweden

Sweden is the latest country to use biochar, generated from green waste, to power its homes.

15/06/2021

Sweden Lifts Restrictions for Arrivals From Japan - Extends Entry Ban for Other Third-Country Travellers - SchengenVisaInfo.com

Sweden lifts restrictions on some third-country travellers, including Thai Arrivals.
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On 14 June, the Ministry of Justice announced the lifting of the country's entry ban on travellers from third Countries.
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The third-country travellers are the lists of nationals required to go through a mandatory prior consultation procedure during the visa application assessment.
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Nonetheless, travellers from Thailand must present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. Furthermore, the entry ban does not apply to EU/EEA nations or Switzerland, and the restriction does not apply to permanent residents or those with a residence permit in Sweden.
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However, all foreign visitors to Sweden must be tested and remain self-isolated seven days after their arrival. Those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or those travelling from the EU/EEA and other countries not subject to the entry ban, are no longer required to be quarantined.
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Read the full article:
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/sweden-lifts-restrictions-for-arrivals-from-japan-extends-entry-ban-for-other-third-country-travellers/

In line with the latest recommendation from the European Union Council to the EU Member States, the Swedish Government has decided to lift the entry ban for travellers entering the country from Japan. This means that residents of Japan will now be exempt from the Swedish entry ban. Nonetheless, they...

15/06/2021

Foreign investment in Thai bonds spikes
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On 11 June, Foreign investors reported net purchases of bonds valued at 52.1 billion baht, the first time in two years. This is owing to attractive returns and low inflation, which sustain the Baht's stability.
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This is a positive indicator since a low-inflation country's exchange rate is typically more robust than a high-inflation country's because it indicates the country's capacity to preserve its currency's purchasing power.
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The Thai economy is unlikely to rebound as quickly as the US economy. However, the situation is getting better. The government bonds are around two times larger than before the pandemic, indicating greater returns with lower risks for foreign investors.
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Read the full article:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2132535/foreign-purchases-of-thai-bonds-spikes

Foreign investment in Thai bonds spikes
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On 11 June, Foreign investors reported net purchases of bonds valued at 52.1 billion baht, the first time in two years. This is owing to attractive returns and low inflation, which sustain the Baht's stability.
.
This is a positive indicator since a low-inflation country's exchange rate is typically more robust than a high-inflation country's because it indicates the country's capacity to preserve its currency's purchasing power.
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The Thai economy is unlikely to rebound as quickly as the US economy. However, the situation is getting better. The government bonds are around two times larger than before the pandemic, indicating greater returns with lower risks for foreign investors.
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Read the full article:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2132535/foreign-purchases-of-thai-bonds-spikes

14/06/2021

Scania invests further in Northvolt expansion and battery recycling

Scania makes further investment in Northvolt expansion and battery recycling.
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Scania announces a proportional increase in its investment in Northvolt on 9 June 2021 as vehicle electrification is multiplying. The continuous development of charging infrastructure and battery cells is required for heavy trucks and buses. Moreover, the percentage change in the battery industry is high, with substantial progress made in recent years to better adapt battery cells to heavy vehicles.
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Therefore, Scania's further investment with Northvolt is one of several strategic initiatives to accelerate the shift to more environmentally sustainable transport solutions.
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Read the full article:
https://www.scania.com/group/en/home/newsroom/news/2021/scania-invests-further-in-northvolt-expansion-and-battery-recycling.html

When Northvolt now completes another equity raise of 2.75 billion US dollars to deploy further battery cell capacity and enforce recycling, Scania is among the investors yet again.